Description
This popular Italian-American dish is filled with flavorful meatballs, ziti pasta, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
Units Scale
- 2 oz. part-skim grated mozzarella cheese, about 1/2 cup
- 6 oz. whole wheat uncooked ziti
- 28 oz. crushed tomatoes
- 1/3 cup panko Japanese breadcrumbs
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh basil divided and chopped
- 12 oz. lean ground sirloin
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
Instructions
- First, preheat your broiler on high. Then cook the pasta according to the directions on the package. Drain in a colander and keep ½ cup of the cooking liquid.
- Put the panko Japanese breadcrumbs, ¼ teaspoon salt, back pepper, 1 tablespoon garlic, sirloin, and egg in a bowl. Mix until well combined. Next, roll the sirloin mixture into 12 1-inch meatballs. Over medium heat, add the oil to a large ovenproof skillet. Then add the meatballs and cook for 5 minutes, turning to brown all the sides. Next, add the remaining teaspoon of garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ½ cup cooking liquid and remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons of basil, red pepper, and tomatoes to the pan. Lower, the temperature and simmer with the lid on for 15 minutes.
- Finally, stir the pasta into the tomato mixture, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for 1 minute until the cheese melts. Remove it from the grill and sprinkle the rest of the basil on top. Serve with a fresh green salad and crusty garlic bread.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310